London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant
Get the city to cover half your fit-out costs, up to $50,000, for a vacant London commercial space. This is a cost-share grant, meaning you pay for the work first and get reimbursed after inspection. Applications are open.
How we verify funding records →
“The loan covers 50% of the improvement costs, up to a maximum of $50,000.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Get the city's approval BEFORE you start work or buy anything — starting early is the #1 way owners lose this funding.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You operate a storefront business within the City of London
- You are planning an interior renovation or fit-out for a vacant commercial unit
- You can secure approval from the city before starting any work or purchasing materials
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is located outside London or outside the designated Core Area CIP zone
- You have already started or completed the renovation work before applying
How much you'd realistically get
For example, a storefront refresh — new facade, paint and exterior lighting:
Project cost
$60,000
Program pays
$30,000
You pay
$30,000
That's work we build. Price my project like this →
Illustration using this program's published rate and cap; amounts and eligibility are decided by the program.
50% of costs, up to $50,000
What may be supported
- interior fit-out / setup costs to open a business in a vacant unit
How applying works
Effort: mediumA city application with quotes/photos; approval before you start, then claim after completion.
- 01Confirm your property is in the program area and funds are available
- 02Get the city's written pre-approval BEFORE starting
- 03Complete the approved work
- 04Submit your costs for reimbursement
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Quotes/estimates for the work
- Photos of the current storefront
- Proof of property ownership or owner's consent
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN coordinates your interior build-out, bringing in qualified trades for walls, flooring and lighting so you manage one team instead of five contractors.
- BBN designs your interior branding and signage as part of the fit-out, creating a professional, inviting look for your new London location.
- BBN configures your POS and digital systems, so your new unit is ready to process sales and serve customers efficiently from day one.
- BBN guides you through the application process and organizes your documentation, helping you meet deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- Cost-share: you pay for the work first, then the city reimburses its share (about half) after it's done and inspected.
- Apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything — starting early disqualifies most of these.
- London Core Area CIP (vacant commercial units). Confirm your address qualifies before you spend.
- Municipal funding is limited each year — confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
Area-gated and funding-limited, but a straightforward fit if your London address qualifies and you apply before starting.
Related BBN services
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
Accessibility Improvements
Accessible websites, clear signage, and ramps or entrance work handled by licensed trades.
Storefront Signs & Sign Boards
Sign concepts, mockups and measurements done right. Fabrication and installation quoted and managed for you.
Storefront & Facade Improvements
Facade refresh concepts, visualizations and contractor coordination, scoped the way municipal improvement programs expect.
What you can combine it with
May combine with provincial/federal programs for the same project — we'll check what stacks.
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London Facade Improvement Loan
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.